What is Barrett's disease?

Barrett's disease, or Barrett's esophagus, is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus becomes replaced by tissues that are similar to those found lining the intestines, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. This condition also is known as intestinal metaplasia.

People who have Barrett's esophagus may be at a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer, states the NDDIC, a service of the National Institutes of Health. It is estimated that about 1.6 to 6.8 percent of the population suffers from this condition. Most often, people affected with the condition are diagnosed after the age of 55, and it occurs in men almost two times more often than in women. The condition is treated with medications, therapies and sometimes surgery.